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Home » Current Affairs » Three Strands Connect in WA


Three Strands Connect in WA
By : Graham Carslake
Rating : Average Rating : 9.71 From 7 Voter(s)
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The Westchurch Church Of Christ (WA), an acapella church, has been in laiason with the International Perth COC (known to some as the Boston church) for several years. This had been initiated by Graham Carslake, interim minister at Westchurch, who met with their leaders and, together, over two years they have established common ground. Both have a heritage in the Stone/Campbell movement, very much on the hard line conservative side. For two years they have been having monthly combined services at each others location to assist in building up trust and relationships. Together they cover about 130 people at these celebrations with powerfull acapella worship and a time of sharing communion. It has been quite inspirational to be there and to see grace replacing a law attitude.

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Dennis John Ryle
This happened a few hours ago. About 240 people from the four churches mentioned gathered on this wild stormy morning. A capella singing led by the Lipscombe University team, communion and a rousing sermon from Graham Johnston of the Subiaco Church of Christ completed a most inspiring occasion. Graham stepped in at late notice as a sudden family bereavement prevented Lee Camp from making his much anticipated visit. The message of the unity we experience in Christ as witnessed to in the Scriptures being far greater that the things that divide was reinforced in many different ways. Where to from here? Talks continue not only amongst the four churches that gathered on this ocassion, but with Subiaco, Dalkeith Road and Fremantle. The ministers of these churches meet weekly for sharing, planning and prayer. That this now includes a broader spectrum of our historical background enriches the potential of our work together in and out of the western suburbs of Perth.
Graham Carslake
A follow up comment.
It was an excellent occasion to bridge across past barriers and to meet in mutual respect and fellowship. Our commen saying is, "fellowship does not mean endorsement". We had 240 attend and with Graham Johnston preaching, it was of a high quality service in the acapella format. On Tuesday the religious writer for the West Australian newspaper met with Graham, and Josh with an article re the event to be published on the 14th July. This is a good news story in a sceptic world and about our people in Churches of Christ. A rare occasion.
My query to all leaders in the other States on a local level, have you given time to reconnect with your church family in the acapella and international group? With some listening grace it could be the beginning of the restoration of broken family ties in the Stone Campbell movement. I can say up front, we have a lot of great family members that we have not yet met. It is worth the invite to a family table talk and to presevere. I have learnt so much more from our heritage and baggage, that now we need to pursue our restoration together.

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